Confessions of a job board doctor

It’s been a year since I started blogging – a year filled with both good things and not-so-good things. But the best thing? I’m still blogging, you’re still reading, and we’re all still learning.

I rarely (well, actually, never) write about my personal life. Why? Because I’ve always assumed that: a) it’s pretty boring; b) you have better things to do; and c) why would you be reading the Job Board Doctor’s blog, if not to learn about job boards?

That being said, I’m going a bit personal this time, so be forewarned.

One of the best aspects of the past year for me has been the support and friendship I’ve gotten from folks in the job board, HR, and recruiting industries. Most of these people didn’t know me before I wandered into the big room we call the blog0sphere/Twittersphere/internet. But they were nice anyway.

In particular, I want to thank the Recruiting Animal for advising me on Twitter icons, etiquette, and naming; Eric Shannon for his early support of my venture and continued support of everything else; John Sumser for wise counsel and encouragement; Gregg Dourgarian for having me on his show (twice!) and considerable hospitality; Chris Russell for feedback and JobBoarders (a great resource); Paul Paris for his friendship and sense of humor; Todd Raphael for his willingness to let a new guy write at ERE.net; and my clients, who have in many cases become friends as well as business partners.

It’s been an up and down year emotionally. Apart from the excitement and anxiety of starting and running a new business, both my father and father-in-law died within a few months of each other.  Our family acquired a new kitten (an addition our two mature cats did not welcome). My daughter entered high school. I finally finished a massive cherry china cabinet I’d been building for two (yes, two) years.

And through it all, I’ve been blogging. Why? Well, first of all, this is a business and blog posts keep the name circulating. But more importantly, I truly believe that job boards are not dying, that they are evolving – and I want to play a part in that process. I know from personal experience at that job seekers find work through job boards – but I also know that the typical job board could be a heck of a lot better.

I also believe that one of the ways for job boards to get better is through an exchange of ideas and experience. I hope that this blog has played some part in that exchange.  This is an exciting time for the job board world. Social media ideas and technologies offer new ways for employers and job seekers to connect – and new ways for job boards to improve their effectiveness. The recession has forced everyone to look hard at their business structures and expenses – and helped us to rethink how we approach our work. The employment chaos caused by the recession has also changed many job seekers’ attitudes toward work – moving some to start their own businesses, and again providing opportunities for job boards to provide new services.

So, everyone, thanks for a great year. I appreciate it.

And if your job board has any aches or growing pains, just call the Job Board Doctor. He’s in.

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